Fernando Torres has claimed that Atletico Madrid will go into Saturday's game against Barcelona "on a level playing field" with the La Liga champions.
Atletico last season finished 16 points behind Barca, but with both sides winning their opening two games of the current campaign Torres is confident that his side can cause trouble for Luis Enrique's team.
"It's one of those games we're looking forward to and more so nowadays because we can go into the game on a level playing field," Torres told fans in a post on Facebook.
"I'm expecting the Calderon to be full and I know that they'll be cheering us on with a lot of heart and show us they can have an influence on the result. It's one of those game we like playing and one you are thinking about in the week leading up to it. To enjoy it from the first minute to the last."
The former Liverpool and Chelsea frontman added: "It will be a tough game. Things have to go well for us to gain three points. We need the fans' support. We know we'll be running a lot, and suffering a lot. There'll be tight moments, but we need the belief we can win. We believe in ourselves and playing at the Calderón we can beat anybody."
Both Atletico and Barcelona are yet to concede a league goal this season, though the Madrid side are joint-top with Celta de Vigo and Eibar on goal difference.
Miles Jolliffe
